PhD Assisted Migration Specialist / PhD Assisted Migration Specialistess

PhD Assisted Migration

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich is seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to study the factors underlying the success of assisted migration of mountain plants that are threatened by climate change. The PhD candidate will be based in the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich (Prof. Jake Alexander), and will work collaboratively with the Ecology Group at the University of Basel (Prof. Sabine Rumpf) and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (Prof. Christophe Randin).

Climate change is shifting the spatial distribution of suitable habitats for all species, but the vast majority of mountain plant species are not keeping pace with climatic changes by dispersing quickly enough to higher elevations. Assisted migration could become a critical component of ecological restoration and conservation to help slow or halt extinctions due to climate change. However, in Switzerland, as elsewhere, policies on assisted migration are only now being considered, and we lack essential knowledge and experience to maximize the success of assisted migration projects.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will engage in a larger project involving scientists, policymakers from federal and cantonal administrations, and practitioners from conservation and industry. The overarching goal is to establish guidelines and launch an assisted migration program for mountain plants in Switzerland that are threatened by climate change. The PhD candidate's primary responsibilities will include:

• Collecting ecological data to assess the reasons for rarity and ecological limits of threatened mountain plants.
• Using this knowledge to understand variation in the success of assisted migration projects.
• Collecting and statistically analyzing demographic monitoring data from natural populations.
• Setting up and running field transplant experiments.
• Conducting ecological niche modeling of focal species.
• Developing independent analyses within this broad theme.
• Contributing to group responsibilities (e.g., teaching, outreach, lab activities) within the department and university.

Profile

• Enthusiasm and interest in the scientific background of the project.
• A willingness to participate in transdisciplinary research leading to transformative change.
• Familiarity with plant identification, propagation, and trait measurements.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace.
• Strong skills in statistical modeling (e.g., mixed models, species distribution modeling, and statistical programming in R).
• Fieldwork experience and a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel and undertake extended fieldwork for data collection.
• Advanced language skills in English (oral and written).

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research on a diverse range of topics within the realm of plant community ecology, including the impact of climate change, biotic interactions, and demographic lags in constraining range and community shifts, as well as the drivers and impacts of biological invasions. We also explore factors limiting forest regeneration and the use of community science for engaging the general public. Our projects include long-term experimental and monitoring studies in alpine and forest field sites in Switzerland and the USA, collaborating widely with researchers globally. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all our activities and to conducting open, collaborative science. For more information on activities within the research group, please visit our website.

Funding is provided for four years of PhD studies, starting at 52,500 CHF per year (before taxes), as is standard in the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS) at ETH Zürich. All members of the Plant Ecology Group contribute to teaching and mentoring Bachelor’s and Master’s students. More details on the doctoral program in the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS) can be found on our website.

This project specifically offers outstanding opportunities for collaboration with the University of Basel (PI Rumpf) and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (PI Randin). Research groups at ETH Zürich, the adjacent University of Zürich, WSL (the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research), and EAWAG (the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology) provide numerous additional opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Zürich is a cosmopolitan city, known for its high living standards, providing easy access to research sites, outdoor activities, and the rest of Europe.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zürich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application. Please apply online using the form below. Make sure to include the following documents, each uploaded as a separate PDF, with your last name in the file name (e.g., Aziz-CV.pdf, Chang-MScDegree.pdf, Meier-MscTranscript.pdf). Please do not provide a cover letter. Include only the requested documents:

• Resume: detailing your educational background, scientific publications and presentations, as well as any relevant research, work, or volunteer activities (4 pages maximum; a 2-page CV is acceptable if complete).
• MSc degree certificate: including the title of your thesis.
• Transcript: a list of courses you have taken, along with the grades received.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Jake Alexander (ajake@ethz.ch). Please include an informative subject (e.g., -Questions about Assisted Migration PhD position-).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge to society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe but with global connections, we collaborate to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.